Chinese scientists publish long-awaited data into Covid-19 origins
A new peer-reviewed study has been published by a research team in China, detailing the analysis of biological evidence taken from the Huanan seafood and wildlife market more than three years ago, which has been linked to the outbreak of Covid-19.
The study revealed that swabs collected from the market contained genetic material from wild animals, potentially opening up new lines of inquiry into how the outbreak began.
While some scientists view this as further evidence of animal-to-human transmission, others have cautioned against interpreting the findings without more information.
The study also showed that animals, particularly raccoon dogs, were being sold alive in the market, and that some samples collected from areas where wildlife was being sold had tested positive for the virus.
However, the Chinese researchers have pointed out that their findings fall short of definitive proof of how the outbreak started.
The possibility remains that the virus was brought into the market by an infected person rather than an animal.
The published findings come amid signs that the lab leak theory is gaining ground among authorities in the US, although the Chinese government has denied suggestions that the virus originated in a scientific facility.
